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Last clear stream, the sea Ryoma saw, and a famed southern castle—immerse yourself in Tosa’s nature and history.
Shimanto River
Hailed as “Japan’s last clear stream.” The scenery of its submersible bridges (chinka-bashi) evokes Japan’s rural heart. Canoeing and yakatabune cruises are popular.
Katsurahama
Celebrated as a moon-viewing spot with a statue of Ryoma Sakamoto. A crescent beach fringed by pines faces the vast Pacific.
Kochi Castle
The only castle where the entire honmaru complex survives from the Edo era. Climb to the keep for a city panorama and living history.
A beautiful crescent of white sand and pines, watched over by the Ryoma Sakamoto statue.
Share the Pacific view from Ryoma’s eye line!
One of Kochi’s signature scenic sites and long famed for moon-viewing. A giant statue of Ryoma Sakamoto faces the rough Pacific swells.
The cozy “Katsurahama Aquarium” next door is also beloved. Swimming is prohibited, but strolling the beach while pondering the Meiji Restoration is perfect. A seasonal viewing deck beside Ryoma’s statue offers an exceptional outlook.
Japan’s last clear stream—where nature and river life exist in harmony.
Experience a living river landscape!
With no large dams, the Shimanto is called Japan’s last pristine river. Its submersible bridges, designed to go underwater in floods, add unique charm.
◆Highlights: Canoeing, yakatabune cruises, and rafting.
◆Good to know: Bridges have no guardrails—driving across is a thrilling test of focus.
◆Access: Rent a bicycle from JR Nakamura Station and hop between bridges.
The only Japanese castle with the entire honmaru buildings intact—South Sea’s famed fortress.
A rare frame: keep and Otemon Gate in one shot!
Built in the Edo period, its keep, palace, and Otemon survive almost complete—unique nationwide. Compact yet dignified, it embodies Tosa fortitude.
From the top floor you’ll see Kochi city in 360°. Spot “ishi-otoshi” and “shinobi-gaeshi” defenses and play lord while hunting for hidden tricks.
Kochi’s tasty icons in one food hall—cheers from noon welcome.
Raise a glass with katsuo tataki & local sake!
About 60 stalls—from local eateries to knick-knacks—pack this lively market. Buy anywhere, sit anywhere.
Don’t miss the live straw-searing of bonito for “warayaki tataki.” Locals and travelers naturally share tables and laughs—shy visitors often make fast friends here!
Encounter the miraculous “Niyodo Blue” at a mystical plunge pool.
A blue beyond belief—like being drawn into another world!
Japan’s cleanest waters flow through Niyodo. Niko-buchi is a famed spot where sunlight turns the surface a mesmerizing blue.
◆Highlights: The color shifts with the angle of light—many faces in one day.
◆Good to know: Steep stairs/chains—wear grippy shoes for the mini-adventure.
◆Access: About 1 hour by car from central Kochi.
Shikoku’s southernmost cape where the Kuroshio crashes—feel the curve of the Earth.
A 270° panorama with the Pacific to the horizon!
White lighthouse, sheer cliffs, and a perfectly arcing horizon. This is the hometown of John Manjiro, pioneer who voyaged to America; his museum is nearby.
Trails lead past sea-sculpted wonders like Hakusan Sea Arch. The jaw-dropping scenery can shrink your daily worries in an instant.
One of Japan’s three great limestone caves—ancient mystery and romance.
Earthenware fused into stalactites by time!
A National Natural Monument and Historic Site formed over some 175 million years. Don’t miss “The God’s Pot,” where 2,000-year-old Yayoi pottery was swallowed by stalactites.
Beyond the regular route, the “Adventure Course” uses headlamps through tight passages—bring clothes you can soil. It’s a natural 15°C all year—perfect summer cool.
Step into the world of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the “father of Japanese botany.”
Plants are fascinating—prepare for discovery after discovery!
A leading comprehensive garden honoring Dr. Makino, Kochi-born botanist. About 3,000 species paint the seasons; just strolling is soothing.
The museum’s exhibits on his life and exquisite botanical drawings are must-see. Even plant novices get drawn into his passion. The on-site restaurant view is superb.
Immerse yourself in Anpanman’s world at the creator’s hometown museum.
“Love and courage are my only friends!”
The hometown museum of Anpanman’s creator, Yanase Takashi. See precious original drawings and dioramas recreating picture-book scenes.
◆Highlights: The underground “Anpanman World” delights kids with interactive fun.
◆Good to know: Adults are often moved by Yanase’s poems and art—far beyond kiddie fare.
◆Access: ~25 minutes by car from Kochi Ryoma Airport.
A rising-land classroom—subtropical plants in a living geopark.
See plate tectonics at work—Earth’s textbook!
Jutting into the Pacific, this UNESCO Global Geopark showcases raised marine terraces and fantastical rocks formed by the Philippine Sea Plate’s motion.
◆Highlights: The sacred “Mikurodo” (cave) where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) meditated.
◆Good to know: A statue of Nakaoka Shintaro faces the direction of his ally Ryoma at Katsurahama.
◆Access: ~2 hours by car from Kochi City.
Mossy stones and ‘Niyodo Blue’ waters—hunt for seven hidden Gods along the trail.
A Ghibli-like tableau of moss and blue water!
The Nakatsu River, a Niyodo tributary, carves this gorge of crystal waters and moss-draped rocks and trees.
Seven stone statues of the Seven Lucky Gods hide along the path—find them all for good fortune. After rain, enjoy the “Ryuryu Falls” streaming over rock faces. Trails can be slick—watch your step.
Architect Kengo Kuma’s warm, wood-rich library that feels like a forest.
If only every town center had a library like this!
Built with local cedar, the space evokes a stroll through the woods; the suspended lattice resembles clouds.
Beyond reading, enjoy coffee, even bouldering—this is a place for gathering and relaxing. Yusuhara hosts multiple Kuma works—architecture tours are popular. You may happily lose a whole day here.
Pilgrimage site of Manjushri; famed garden designated a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Scholar’s Manjushri and a sublime garden—purify the mind!
Temple #31 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, devoted to Manjushri, patron of wisdom. The garden, attributed to Muso Soseki, is a nationally designated Scenic Beauty, spectacular in autumn.
◆Highlights: The vivid vermilion five-story pagoda is a Kochi icon.
◆Good to know: Combine with next-door Makino Botanical Garden for a day of intellect and inspiration.
◆Access: About 30 minutes on “MY-Yu” bus from Kochi Station.
An abandoned mountain school reborn as a figure mecca—astonishment at every turn.
A remote museum packed with world-class treasures!
This museum chronicles the global figure maker “Kaiyodo.” Inside the former schoolhouse, exquisitely detailed figures and dioramas crowd every corner—from dinosaurs to anime heroes.
Adults often feel a rush of childhood nostalgia. The remote location makes arrival all the more rewarding.
A lively retro arcade market in a proud fishing town.
Create your own bowl with the freshest catch!
Steps from the port famed for single-line bonito fishing, this market has operated since the Taisho era. Stalls brim with fish landed that morning.
The signature “Kure-don” lets you pick fish at a stall and have it made into your personal rice bowl. Chatty shop aunties are half the fun—on big bonito days, the market buzzes with energy.
Explore 1,000 years of Tosa Washi—try your hand at papermaking.
Feel the craft of Tosa washi first-hand!
In riverside Ino, the town of washi, this museum displays history and varieties of Tosa paper.
◆Highlights: Live demonstrations of traditional handmade washi.
◆Good to know: Make your own postcards or shikishi; staff kindly guide beginners.
◆Access: ~15 minutes on foot from JR Ino Station.
A fern-clad cave leading to a primeval-feeling ravine—another world awaits.
Borrow boots and explore this natural time tunnel!
A Natural Monument cave draped in ancient ferns suddenly appears off a national road. Emerge into a ravine dappled with sunlight—like the distant past.
The tourist center at the entrance lends boots for free. You’ll walk in the stream—pure adventure and a natural air-con even in summer.
A gallery of wind- and wave-carved rocks—watch the reefs by glass-bottom boat.
Scenery even Kobo Daishi supposedly “left unseen”!
Strange rock forms sculpted by erosion line the shore. “Minokoshi Coast” is named from the legend that even Kobo Daishi left it unseen for its overwhelming beauty.
From Tatsukushi, ride a glass-bottom boat across subtropical reefs to Minokoshi. Marvel at dragon-back ridges and honeycomb rocks—nature’s artwork.
No building, no fixed exhibits—the beautiful beach itself is the museum.
The beach is the museum; the pines are the museum; time itself is the museum!
Based on the concept “We have no museum—our beautiful beach is the museum,” some 4 km of shore becomes a living gallery.
Once a year at the “T-Shirt Art Exhibition,” countless T-shirts flutter along the sand—spectacular. With the waves as your soundtrack, simply admire the shore—pure luxury.
Trace the dramatic 33 years of Ryoma—the Meiji Restoration firebrand.
Non-fans will still leave with hearts ablaze!
Steps from Katsurahama, this museum displays Ryoma’s letters and a recreation of the Omiya inn where he was assassinated.
◆Highlights: From the rooftop, the same Pacific vista Ryoma loved.
◆Good to know: Shake hands with the “Handshake Ryoma” statue inside.
◆Access: Off the MY-Yu Bus “Ryoma Memorial Museum” stop.
A sanctuary of Niyodo Blue—crystal-clear waters like quartz.
See the riverbed stones in stunning clarity!
Along the Yasui River, this gorge is famed even among Niyodo sites for its water purity. The “Crystal Pool” is the star, with trails linking many falls and basins.
The water is so clear you’ll lose track of time—don’t miss your bus back!
Pastoral highland at 1,400 m—an elevated drive in the sky.
At night, a Milky Way so close it feels like falling into the stars!
On the Ehime–Kochi border, this is one of Japan’s three great karsts. White limestone stud the green meadows where cattle graze—Alpine vibes in Shikoku.
◆Highlights: Drive Prefectural Road 383, the famed “Road in the Sky.”
◆Good to know: Thin air and low light pollution make it a top stargazing spot.
◆Access: Winding mountain roads—drive carefully if you’re not confident.
575 ceiling paintings—an artful temple beloved by pilgrims and art fans.
Look up—the ceiling is a full art museum!
Temple #37 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Its showstopper: 575 colorful paintings on the main hall ceiling, donated by pros and amateurs nationwide.
Even Marilyn Monroe appears—upending any rigid temple image. Finding your favorite panel is half the fun. Only your neck may protest—be prepared!
A headland temple tied to the perilous “Fudaraku” sea pilgrimages.
At Shikoku’s southern temple, feel Kannon’s mercy before the wild Pacific.
Temple #38 sits at Cape Ashizuri’s tip. The expansive grounds feature a colorful pagoda and a pond-floating Kannon statue.
Pilgrims once launched small boats here to reach Kannon’s paradise at Mount Potalaka (Fudaraku). Facing the fierce ocean, you sense their resolve.
The whole city becomes a banquet hall—Japan’s biggest party.
Sake, laughter, and open hearts—experience Tosa culture in full!
Held every March, this festival celebrates Kochi’s banquet culture. Kotatsu pop up in arcades, tatami rolls onto the streets, and parties spill everywhere.
The main bash unfolds at Kochi Castle: savor local food and sake with yosakoi dance on stage. Feel Kochi’s famous hospitality and love of a good drink.
Feel the Yosakoi Festival’s heat year-round—history, costumes, and sound trucks.
Pick up naruko clappers—you’re a dancer today!
This center lets you relive August’s blazing Yosakoi Festival: videos, flamboyant team costumes, and a “jikatasha” sound truck.
◆Highlights: Learn the classic naruko steps or don costumes for photos.
◆Good to know: Craft your own original naruko—popular with visitors.
◆Access: Just outside JR Kochi Station (south exit).
Kochi’s summer burns brightest—pure passion in motion.
Clack your naruko—instant friends! Dancers and onlookers, all are fools for fun!
From August 9–12, about 200 teams and 20,000 dancers parade across many city venues in brilliant costumes atop roaring sound trucks.
Aside from the rule “carry naruko and move forward,” anything goes—samba to rock and beyond. Four days when Kochi becomes Japan’s hottest city.
A rare bascule bridge in Japan—watch the road rise toward the sky.
Like a railroad crossing—sirens blare and the road lifts!
To let boats pass, this road segment slowly tilts up using hydraulics—about six minutes from start to full height.
A 32-m roadway climbs to roughly 70°—straight from sci-fi. It operates only 6–7 times daily—check times first or it’s just a normal bridge when you arrive.
Drift the clear current—see submersible bridges and nature from the water.
The river breeze is the finest course!
Relax on a flat-roof boat while guides share the river’s nature and culture.
Several companies operate; meal cruises featuring river shrimp and salt-grilled ayu are popular. A gentle, do-nothing luxury—adult river play at its best.